Being a foreigner can sometimes be difficult. With my blond hair I stick out just about everywhere. And the locals are never shy about talking about us as they are standing right next to us. The most uncomfortable is when
So You Wanna Learn Chinese (or some other language)
I can’t say I’m a language learning expert but I have tried my fair share of language programs over the years. After all, I’m an American. That is, I am interested in learning another language but absolutely terrible at it.
Construction in China: Plans vs Reality
Ever since I moved here there has been constant construction going on right outside my window on the West Gate Road. I love the West Gate Road, it is the place with all the restaurants, little shops and fruit stands.
Ginkgo Nuts
The other night we had the honor of being invited to a birthday celebration of a 6-year-old boy. The party, or banquet I should really call it, was held at a very fancy, very traditional Chinese restaurant. The setting was
Fake Eggs in China
China is well known for counterfeits and knock-offs. In most major cities you will be constantly harassed to buy Rolex watches, Prada shoes and Chanel bags. It is so rampant I don’t even trust the names of stores anymore. Is
It's Chinglish Time Again!
I always have my camera at the ready to capture the hilarious Chinglish I see throughout my day. Here is a random assortment of things I’ve seen recently.
I'm on Untemplater!!
I just wanted to let you all know that my writing has appeared on another blog! This time it is at Untemplater, a great site for those people who want to live life according to their own rules. Untemplater is
What is Your Definition of Success?
My dad recently came for a visit and over dinner he asked what we had planned for the future. “After all,†he said. “This can’t help you in your future career so it’s a dead-end job, right?†Wrong. (At least
Qingming–or Tomb Sweeping–Day
While everyone in the west is celebrating spring, rebirth and chocolate bunnies we are celebrating something entirely different here in China: Death. Today is Qingming Day, or Tomb Sweeping Day. When I first signed my contract it listed all the
Granite State of Mind
I came across this video thanks to a friends Facebook page. It’s things like this that make me miss home. And if you are not from New Hampshire, or New England in general, I will apologize as you probably won’t